WCDO Radio News

The results are in for key races from yesterday’s elections: in the 52nd State Senate race, Republican Fred Akshar defeats Democrat Barbara Fiala. For Delaware County Family Court Judge, Gary Rosa defeats Porter Kirkwood. In the Chenango County District Attorney’s race, Joseph McBride wins reelection over Zachary Wentworth. For Town of Franklin Supervisor Jeffery Taggart is re-elected, in the Town of Harpersfield Supervisor, Jim Eisel is re-elected, in the Town of Guilford the Supervisor will be George Seneck, in the Town of Oxford, Supervisor Lawrence Wilcox is re-elected, & for the Sidney Town Board, the 2 seats will go to Republicans Eric Wilson & Jeannette Hinckley over Loddie Marsh & incumbent Bill Heath.

Governor Cuomo announced the beginning of a new, statewide cooperative effort to crack down on illegal credit/debit card skimmers at gas pumps across New York, seeking to end criminals’ ability to empty the bank accounts of their victims. With card data theft incidents on the rise across the country, the State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Weights and Measures Bureau is conducting New York’s first-ever training and sweep of gas station dispensers across the state to proactively protect consumers and gas station owners. Agriculture and Markets staffers will train county weights and measures officials to spot skimming devices in their communities.

The Next Commerce Chenango Business After Hours is today, with M&T Bank at their 118 State Hwy 320, Norwich branch, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. More information is available at 334-1402.

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch stated today that the Kraft manufacturing plant in Walton under review for closure needs to stay open. Crouch said that there are 150 local jobs as well as a methane digester project being pursued by the Village of Walton at stake. The methane digester project is being pursued through the Regional economic Development Council as a cost-saving measure for Kraft & as well as the Walton school district, to save on heating costs paid by area taxpayers. Crouch joins Governor Cuomo & U.S. Senator Schumer in trying to get Kraft Heinz from closing the Walton plant, and 2 others in the state, following a merger of the 2 food industry giants.

Tomorrow is Election day, with quite a few interesting races in an "Off Year” In the State Senate race in the 52nd district; Republican Fred Akshar & Democrat Barbara Fiala are running to fill the seat left vacated by the conviction of long time Senator Tom Libous.
Delaware County will have a Family Court Judge for the first time; the candidates are Democrat Gary Rosa & Republican Porter Kirkwood. In Chenango County, for District Attorney, incumbent Joseph McBride faces Zachary Wentworth. Several Town Races will be decided by voters Tuesday, in the Town of Sidney; Eric Wilson, Jeannette Hinckley, Loddie Marsh & incumbent Bill Heath are running for 2 seats on town board
In the Town of Franklin, for town Supervisor, incumbent Jeffery Taggart faces Epifanio Bevilacqua & 3 people are running for 2 seats on the town board: Dwight Bruno, Donald Hebbard and Donald Smith. In the Town of Harpersfield for Town Supervisor, incumbent Jim Eisel faces a challenge from Edward Pick Jr. Eisel is chairman of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors; a Pick Victory would mean a change at the top of Delaware County Government. In the race for Town of Guilford Supervisor, George Seneck faces Jeffrey MacCormack & for Town of Oxford Supervisor Frederick Lanfear faces Lawrence Wilcox.

the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 18 year old Austin Reynolds, of Sherburne, for Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Third Degree and Unlawful Possession of Alcohol; Person Under 21 years of age, after participating in a Stop DWI check point in the Town of Delhi. Reynolds was released with appearance tickets where he will appear in the Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded this weekend to a Trespass in progress at the Bagels and Cream located on Elm St in the Village of Delhi. Upon arrival, Deputies found a male subject sleeping on the floor in the dining area. Deputies arrested Travon Gaddis age 18 of New Rochelle, New York for Criminal Trespass in the Third Degree. Gaddis is to reappear in the Town of Delhi Court at a later time to answer the said charges.

The Maines Broome County Arena will host Let’s Make A Deal Live tonight at 7:30 pm, ticket information is available at the Arena box office, Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800 745 3000.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School will hold a Special Board of Education Meeting today, in the District Conference room at 6:00 PM.

Otsego County's annual Hazardous Waste Collection Event will be held today & tomorrow. The 1st event will be at the Unadilla Town Highway Building today & Waste from Otsego County small businesses is accepted and the 2nd event will be at the Meadows Office Building in Cooperstown on Saturday. No Pre-Registration is required, Saturday Participants are asked to arrive according to the first initial of your last name. More information is available at otsegocounty.com/depts/sw or by calling 547-4225.

Chenango County Suicide Prevention will hold a special event with documentary filmmaker Erin Davies tonight in Norwich, Spokesperson Ann Marie Troy comments:

(Ann Marie Troy 9-11-15)

The event will begin at 7:00 P.M. at the Broad Street United Methodist Church in Norwich, more information is available at 334-8244 extension 228.

The Chenango Arts Council, Norwich Business Improvement District, and the Norwich Rotary Club announced that the Chenango Public Arts Initiative begins with a Gallery opening reception today from 5:30 to 8:00 pm; it is free and open to the public. The Gallery will be open both days of Colorscape Weekend this Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and will stay on display until October 25. More information is available at 336-ARTS or email at: info@chenangoarts.org

A SUNY Delhi freshman from Wappingers Falls was found dead in a wooded area near the campus Tuesday. The unidentified student was found unresponsive by friends, he was pronounced dead at the scene by the Delaware County Medical Examiner's office. No foul Play is suspected; a memorial service for the student is planned on September 25th in Hopewell Junction.

Thursday's Primary Day elections have been tabulated, In Delaware County; The Democratic Party Town of Middletown Supervisor Primary was won by Marjorie Miller. The Republican Party Primary had Delaware County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Eisel winning for the Harpersfield Town Supervisors position. In the Primary for Town of Walton Supervisor, Charles Gregory defeats Bruce Dolph. In Chenango County, District Attorney Joe McBride wins the Republican primary, in the city of Norwich; Christine Carnrike won The Republican Primary for Mayor over incumbent Joe Mauirano.

The Delaware County Industrial Development Agency recently completed a renovation project at the Sidney Industrial Park to ensure the continued growth of Gravity Ciders. The company outgrew their Walton facility; they were looking for a new production and warehousing facility to keep up with the demand of their Awestruck Premium Hard Ciders. The IDA invested $32,000, to keep Gravity Ciders in Delaware County; more information is available at dcecodev.com or 832-5123.

The Delaware county department of corrections will hold the 5th Annual Andrew Brown Memorial Golf Tournament tomorrow, at the Hardwood Hills Golf Course in Masonville. Registration is at 7:30 AM, shotgun start is at 8:30 AM, and money raised will assist Delaware county residents being cared for by Catskill Hospice & Palliative care.

Today is Primary Day in New York State, for those who want to decide on a candidate to represent their political party in the November elections. In Delaware County, The Democratic Party will hold Primaries for Town of Middletown Supervisor between Patrick Davis & Marjorie Miller. The Republican Party will hold a Primary for the Harpersfield Town Supervisors position between current Delaware County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Eisel and Edward Pick & In the Town of Walton for Town Supervisor, the race is between Charles Gregory & Bruce Dolph. In Chenango County, primary races of interest include the republican primary for District Attorney between incumbent Joe McBride and Zachary Wentworth. In the city of Norwich, there is a Republican Primary for Mayor between Incumbent Joe Mauirano & Christine Carnrike.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman will operate a statewide Election Day Hotline during the primary election this Thursday, September 10. Voters encountering barriers to access at their polling sites can report those issues to the Attorney General’s Office by calling the hotline at 800-771-7755, or by emailing the office at civil.rights@ag.ny.gov. The Hotline will be available until 9:00 PM. .

The Board of Directors of The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce meet this morning at 9:00 AM at the Barnyard Swing Mini golf and Family Fun Center in Milford, to announce the 16th Annual Small Business of the Year award & the Breakthrough Business of the Year. The award winners will be honored at the Chamber’s Small Business Banquet that will be held on Thursday, October 15th at The Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division obtained a Search Warrant for the residence of Michael and Toni Spencer of Walton; they seized 10 marihuana plants, processed marihuana, a video surveillance system, growing equipment, firearms and public assistance benefit cards. Investigators charged 47-year-old Michael Spencer, 39-year-old Toni Spencer and 18-year-old Bradley Jackson with Criminal Possession of Marihuana & Unlicensed Cultivation of Cannabis, for allegedly growing and possessing more than 16 ounces of marihuana. All three were arraigned in the Town of Walton Court and were remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 cash bail.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division arrested 44-year-old Shannon Hunter of Oxford and 45 year old William Miller of Gilbertsville. Deputies stopped a vehicle just off of State Hwy 12 in the Town of North Norwich, Shannon Hunter was found to be in possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia, the driver, William Miller was found to be in possession of Hydrocodone pills and drug paraphernalia. Hunter was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell, Miller was charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, both were arraigned in the Town of North Norwich Court and remanded to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office on $5,000 cash bail.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies are investigating a late August hit and run accident that has resulted in the closure of the Corbett Bridge spanning the East Branch of the Delaware River in the Town of Colchester. A DOT supervisor discovered recent structural damage to the bridge located at the intersection of Corbett Road and New York State Route 30, a Subsequent inspection by engineers determined that the structural integrity of the bridge was compromised as a result of the accident and the bridge was immediately closed to all traffic. Officials anticipate the bridge will remain closed for an extended period of time for appropriate repairs, they believe the structure was struck by a large vehicle, anyone with information should contact Deputy Christopher Erwin at 287-4756.

The 3rd annual Catholic Charities Bands brew & Barbecue event is scheduled for later this month in Norwich, spokesperson Robin Beckwith comments:

(Robin Beckwith 9-10-15)

Tickets are available at the Norwich YMCA, Hummel's, Garf's Deli, Commerce Chenango & M&T Bank in Norwich, or online at Brown Paper Tickets. Com.

State Police responded to a Delaware County 911 report of a motor vehicle over an embankment on Brickhouse Hill Road, in the Town of Davenport. Troopers located a man, who was deceased, while pinned underneath a 1996 Ford Crown Victoria. The investigation revealed that 20-year-old Travis Barra of Stamford was operating the car on Brickhouse Hill Road when he drove off the roadway and was stuck on the shoulder. Barra left the car in neutral attempted to free it & was pinned underneath the car when it rolled backward. Barra’s death as was ruled as accidental due to mechanical asphyxiation by the coroner’s office, the investigation is ongoing.

A Pre-Primary Meet and Greet will be held in Norwich today at the Commerce Chenango Community Room, 15 South Broad Street, beginning at 5: 30 PM. Chamber members can meet 1-on-1 with incumbent Norwich Mayor Joseph Maiurano, candidate-elect Christine Carnrike, incumbent Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride and candidate-elect Zachary Wentworth.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 23 year old Steven Sanchez of Tarrytown on Friday, on 2 bench warrants issued by Delhi Town Court for failure to pay fines for disorderly conduct, criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminally using drug paraphernalia & unlawful possession of marijuana. The arrest followed a civilian report of an erratic driver in the Town of Delhi. Sanchez was also issued tickets for consumption of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle and was later turned over to the Delhi Police Department for arraignment on the charges from the warrants.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman will operate a statewide Election Day Hotline during the primary election this Thursday, September 10. Voters encountering barriers to access at their polling sites can report those issues to the Attorney General’s Office by calling the hotline at 800-771-7755, or by emailing the office at civil.rights@ag.ny.gov. The Hotline will be available from 6:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. on Election Day.

The New York State Police Academy held their Graduation exercises today for the 203rd class of State Troopers, at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. State Police Superintendrnt Joseph D'Amico addressed the class:

(DAmico 9-3-15)

Nearly 200 new Troopers were honored for their perseverance and dedication in completing the 203rd session of the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy.

State Police arrested 30-year-old Nathan Tuttle of Deposit for 3rd degree rape and criminal sexual act. The arrest occurred after an investigation determined Tuttle allegedly had sexual contact with a victim under the age of 17. Tuttle was arraigned in the Village of Deposit Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 property bond. Tuttle was previously charged last week with 4 counts of Sexual Abuse and 3 counts of endangering the Welfare of a Child relative to an incident involving a different victim. Anyone with information involving Tuttle is asked to call the State Police at 775-1241.

The Broome County Specials Investigations Unit Task Force arrested 51-year-old Dennis Scrubbs of Endicott Wednesday. Scrubbs is accused of possessing 622 bags of heroin, plus Suboxone, cocaine, crack-cocaine, and marijuana, Investigators also confiscated about $4,000 in cash. Scrubbs was held pending court action.

A Broome County Court jury convicted Nigel Smith for the murder of Bretnie Owens in Binghamton in June of 2013. Smith was found guilty of 2nd degree murder, 1st degree robbery, criminal trespassing and resisting arrest. Smith is due to be sentenced on November 17th.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 42 year old Tina Garcia of Walton for Falsely Reporting an Incident. Garcia is accused of falsely reporting the theft of a vehicle owned by Shane Bellows after that vehicle was involved in a hit and run property damage accident on State Highway 10 in the Town of Walton on August 15. Garcia was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Hamden court on September 21st.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 74 year old Richard Wayman of Jefferson with Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person, for allegedly endangering the welfare of a physically and mentally disabled resident of Robinson Terrance Nursing Home in Stamford while visiting another resident of that facility earlier this week. Wayman was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and released on his own recognize pending his appearance in the Harpersfield Town Court on September 14th.

On September 8th, Commerce Chenango will host a Pre-Primary Meet and Greet, At the Commerce Chenango Community Room, 15 South Broad Street, Norwich at 5: 30 PM. Chamber members will be able to meet one-on-one with incumbent Mayor Joseph Maiurano, candidate-elect Christine Carnrike, incumbent District Attorney Joseph McBride and candidate-elect Zachary Wentworth. RSVP's are required by Friday to 334-1400 or info@chenangony.org

Jury deliberations continued again today in Schoharie County Court, in the 3rd Cal Harris murder trial. The latest trial lasted over 11 weeks, it had been moved to Schoharie County after 2 convictions in Harris' home county court in Tioga County, where the September 2001 Murder of Michelle Harris allegedly took place. Both previous convictions were overturned on appeal.

State Police responded to a Broome County 911 report of a fatal motor vehicle accident involving 2 race vehicles on the dirt track at the Broome Tioga Raceway in the Town of Lisle. The investigation determined that 38-year-old Michael Smith of Owego, was driving a 2000 Chevrolet Blazer when he lost control of his vehicle on a turn and rolled over coming to rest on the driver’s side. His vehicle was then struck by approaching racer 35 year old Mitchell Quail of Richfield, who was unable to avoid a collision. Smith suffered a head injury from the collision and was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital were he died. An autopsy is pending; Mitchell Quail was not injured in the collision. The investigation is ongoing.

Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride has announced his campaign for re-election in the 2015 election cycle. McBride has served 16 years as District Attorney, he was first elected DA in 1999 and was re-elected in 2003, 2007 and 2011.

Temporary weight restrictions implemented in March on several Delaware county roads have been lifted, according to the Delaware county department of pubic works. County routes that have had the restrictions removed were routes 7, 10, 16, 20, 23,26 35 & 67.